Chrisdaman

my application has been forwarded to OASC at RAF cranwell!!!!!

I'm soo happy, the filter was where i tripped last time, now i can get stuck in with the fitness even more to get ready if i'm successful in getting to selection

Pontius Navigator

Chris, well done, but don't make the mistake of concentrating on any one area. Also have a look at the Janet and John story in OASC, now that gives you a very good idea of what they think of a suitable fitness standard.

Aerouk

Well done, best of luck with the rest of it!

not_so_sis

Having been told I had successfully got through my filter interview for Pilot at the local careers office, what kind of time periods have people been subjected too before hearing from cranwell with invites to attend OASC?

Tommmo

Just speaking from my experience at OASC.
They had a chart on the wall with all the treadmill times that would achieve you an amber pass, but not green. One of my group even asked and they just said that those were the amber guide speeds and that was a pass.

And not_so_sis, the times can vary greatly. Some people have to wait 2-3 months, some only a few weeks. Personally I had to wait around 3 weeks.

NDW

Post Deleted.

Apologies for question asked

NDW

Apologies for punctuation and the thread. I'm writing it from an iPod touch and it has messed up in the last thread.

I will try and edit it again later.

The main message is clear enough though.

Thanks

Aerouk

I think the two of you need to grow up and get a life. End of the day if you're both sh*t neither of you will get in regardless of how many stripes you get in the ATC.

ElSupremo

How long does it take to arrange a filter interview at the careers office (i.e. how long is the average waiting list?)? I've had my initial interview so my papers are ready to be sent (once I give the office the clearance letter from my doctor which should be coming through the post in a few weeks).

Aerouk

ES,

Are the RAF letting you go forward with the whole Asthma thing we've discussed in the past?

Keep us updated with how you get on.

Tommmo

ES, after the initial interview you need to book a P2 Presentation, which run pretty frequently (at least once a month as far as I know).
After the P2 Presentation you have to book the filter and general waiting time for that varies between AFCOs but should generally be no longer than a month.

ElSupremo

Thanks for your help!

NDW

Evening All

I've finally made my decision to go forth with applying to the RAF as a WSOp, I have a brief chat on Wednesday coming and have asked for an Application Form to there ready and waiting for me.

Spoken to the parents about how they feel about me joining up and they are more than happy with my decision (well they feel more comfortable about me joining the RAF than the Royal Marines like my older brother.


I have spent many hours searching up and down this forum regarding WSOp and Interviews and Applications etc, and finally I'm going for it.

I may not have the best educational qualifications by any means, but I feel that I have the ability to work as a great team-member but also individually and produce fantastic results, and if given the oppurtunity to go to OASC, I shall prove that!!! (Sounds abit like a quotation from a C.V.)

My bosses from my work (My local flying school) are more than happy to give a reference for me, along with an old High School teacher (Who is infact ex-RAF).

My fitness has dramatically improved (in my eyes) and my inner confidence and self discipline has most deffinately improved also.

I'm going to hopefully make a good impression on my chat on Wednesday, and I know that its only a chat, but first impressions do count.

So fingers crossed that this time next week I will have the application form and finally be taking that step towards the greatest career in my life.

I would also like to thank everyone that I have nagged and most probably annoyed with question upon question on this forum, but hand on heart many thanks for all your help and advice, and I hope that in the near future I will be able to help spread some advice to future wannabe's.

Nathan (NDW)

OneFifty

You wont get an application form on Wednesday. IF you satisfy the initial eligibility criteria, you'll be invited to call the Careers Information Line in order to be placed in the wait list. Once a place becomes available for you to bid for, you'll be e-mailed the application forms.

OASC

In the last bulletin, John had completed all aspects of the Selection Process at the OASC and was waiting for notification as to whether he had been successful or not. He also knew that he would need the ‘all clear’ from his blood tests, ECG and the primary care questionnaire that was sent to his GP. This week, we conclude the OASC aspect of the selection process.

After a wait of about 3 weeks*, John received a letter from the OASC. This stated that he had been provisionally selected for commissioned entry to the Royal Air Force leading to a Permanent Commission as a pilot. The letter went on to say that the provisional offer was subject to attainment of a suitable security clearance, confirmation of his medical fitness and the maintenance of his personal physical fitness level sufficient to meet the required standard (Amber) of the Fitness Assessment to be conducted during a forthcoming Familiarisation Visit. Pending final approval of his entry, a place had been provisionally reserved on a forthcoming IOT and that, when his clearances were successfully processed, he would be notified of his terms of entry and conditions of service. The letter also made it very clear that John should not terminate any employment with a current employer until he had received his final confirmation of entry.

Next, the letter outlined the Familiarisation Visit that all candidates had to attend. It stated that, during the Visit, he would be given a better idea of the Initial Officer Training (IOT) Course and the RAF College facilities. He would also be fitted and issued with boots so that he could break them in prior to commencing IOT. However, the main emphasis was on the fitness assessment, which highlighted that all candidates would be expected to undertake a similar fitness test to that taken during OASC, except the 1.5 mile run would be conducted outside on this occasion. All candidates were advised that maximum effort was expected and the levels that needed to be achieved were outlined in the ‘Fit to lead’ booklet. Further briefings and advice on how to train successfully prior to IOT would be given by the physical education staff.

The letter concluded by outlining timings and kit to bring followed by a request to fill in an enclosed Familiarisation Visit form and return it using an envelope, also enclosed. With the letter was John’s OASC Board Report and debrief. John filled in his form carefully and sent it back to the OASC straight away and then took the time to read through the feedback that he received about his performance during the OASC selection process. While he waited for the Familiarisation Visit date to arrive, John continued to work very hard on increasing his fitness levels to prepare himself for the fitness assessment and IOT.

* 3 weeks is the earliest you would be notified; however, it could be up to 12 weeks depending on the competition from other candidates for you particular branch choice(s). You should only contact the OASC if you have not heard after 12 weeks from the date of your OASC Board.

Next week, we will follow John through the Familiarisation Visit before leaving him to go start his IOT course.

For more information regarding any of these areas highlighted, please contact your AFCO and they will be able to give you more detailed information regarding specific cases.

Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only.

Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers

Jamias

I wonder if anybody could help?

I recently had a filter interview at my local AFCO but unfortunately was asked to go back in 6 months time. A lot of positives came out of the interview and some very good feedback was given. I wasn't recommended for the OASC because I couldn't fully answer some questions about officer and pilot training.
So I've got a few questions that I need answers to, can anybody help?

How long does Elementary Flying Training on the tutor last? And how are the 62 hours split up?

In IOT, what do Exercise Military Aid and Exercise Decisive Edge involve exactly? Has anybody got a breakdown or a brief?

Again in IOT, what kind of things do you do on the carrousel section of the third term?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

muppetofthenorth

EFT details can be found via google, so I'm not giving them out.

As for IOT, I'm pretty shocked that you need the exact details about exercises. I can understand you thinking that because you didn't know about them for the filter you'd want to know them next time, but if the Officer there has told you to get them, they're being pretty naive. I've done both exercises a couple of times and they're never the same. The basic principles are similar, but having a brief or breakdown for either would be pointless, as it'll change by the time you get there.

Basic terms, Mil Aid is a leadership and followership practise environment, using MACA (Military Air to Civil Authorities) as a vehicle. You are being taught, not assessed.
Decisive Edge mimics a DOB in theatre. It uses force protection as it's vehicle. You are being assessed.

Jamias

Thanks for that muppetofthenorth. The officer did ask me directly about the exercises, and then in the feedback after the interview he told me to research IOT more, including the exercises involved as I couldn't answer the questions. So possible naivity, possible over-eagerness on my part.

I have searched google etc. for details about EFT. The most comprehensive site details the EFT that international pilots training with the RAF go through. Can I assume that this is exactly the same course (apart from the english speaking courses) that RAF pilots go through?

Thanks

airborne_artist

I'm with MoM - to ask and expect detailed answers on these type of questions is anal to a degree. The filter interviewer should be looking at a much higher level than this, in my opinion, if they are to be sending good guys/gals to OASC. Asking how many rivets there are on the tail-fin of a Grob is frankly ridiculous.

I'll check on another forum to see if the RN does the same with its potential aircrew. I think I know the answer already, however.

_FUBAR_

Good morning gents,
I am new but have been reading for a while. Been mainly on ARRSE but was suggested to try here.

I two am applying for WSOp at the moment and have a few quick questions i thought i would try here before trying the AFCO:

Reading the thread from OASC its stated that the fitness is a 1.5 mile run but the RAF Careers website states its the bleep test... anyone know which one?

Also, im trying to revise up on the training program for what i would do if successful. Ive got as far as Shawbury (Im aiming for Crewman rotary) and then it states OCU? can anyone clarify? I assume this stands for something like Operational Conversion Unit or suchlike?

Any help would be great.
Cheers!